I just got a package in the mail containing a razor, owned by none other than our very own RickCharles. This razor is both a collectors item, and an heirloom, as it was formerly owned by Rick's Grandfather, and left to Rick when he passed.
It is a 4/8" Hollow Ground Genco, dressed in faux Ivory Bakelite scales. Genco Razors were made by Geneva Cutlery Co., in Geneva, New York. By 1912, they were the the largest US manufacturer of razors. They used the "GENCO" trademark from 1902-1935.
Rick sent this to me for a honing, but since he was so generous with a few "other items" in the package, I've decided to do what I think of as a "light restore". As it has sentimental value, we'll be keeping all of the original parts.
Here are some "before" photos. I'll be updating this thread, through every step of the process, from start to finish, as a token of my appreciation to Rick.
Now, the lighting I use for the "before" photos does exaggerate the blemishes a bit, but its really helpful to me to be able to more clearly see what Needs to be done.
Here you can see some staining on the scales, and some pitting/discoloration on the blade.
The other side, same story... Notice the 100 years of grime between the scales....not something you want to shave with.
As you can see where the light is glaring, the edge is very uneven, and is the reason Rick was having poor shaves with this blade.
Another one of the edge. You can see that the heel has been honed and worn down more than the toe, also contributing to an uneven edge.
It is a 4/8" Hollow Ground Genco, dressed in faux Ivory Bakelite scales. Genco Razors were made by Geneva Cutlery Co., in Geneva, New York. By 1912, they were the the largest US manufacturer of razors. They used the "GENCO" trademark from 1902-1935.
Rick sent this to me for a honing, but since he was so generous with a few "other items" in the package, I've decided to do what I think of as a "light restore". As it has sentimental value, we'll be keeping all of the original parts.
Here are some "before" photos. I'll be updating this thread, through every step of the process, from start to finish, as a token of my appreciation to Rick.
Now, the lighting I use for the "before" photos does exaggerate the blemishes a bit, but its really helpful to me to be able to more clearly see what Needs to be done.
Here you can see some staining on the scales, and some pitting/discoloration on the blade.
The other side, same story... Notice the 100 years of grime between the scales....not something you want to shave with.
As you can see where the light is glaring, the edge is very uneven, and is the reason Rick was having poor shaves with this blade.
Another one of the edge. You can see that the heel has been honed and worn down more than the toe, also contributing to an uneven edge.
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